The Cartographers’ Guild is a forum created by and for map makers and aficionados, a place where every aspect of cartography can be admired, examined, learned, and discussed. Our membership consists of professional designers and artists, hobbyists, and amateurs—all are welcome to join and participate in the quest for cartographic skill and knowledge.

Although we specialize in maps of fictional realms, as commonly used in both novels and games (both tabletop and role-playing), many Guild members are also proficient in historical and contemporary maps. Likewise, we specialize in computer-assisted cartography (such as with GIMP, Adobe apps, Campaign Cartographer, Dundjinni, etc.), although many members here also have interest in maps drafted by hand.

If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ. You will have to register before you can post or view full size images in the forums.

Love the mix of the flat map with the trees, fun idea. I think you already nailed some of the main solutions to your problem with the roof work and more interest to your wall tops. Adding statuary, floor insets, or lighting would add interest but I do t know that it would make the scene better or more believable. Destressing some of the floor might work as well, even well maintained courtyards see wear and tear and can believably suffer some cracks and pitting. As is if its nice and would add immensely to an encounter.

The best luck I've had is finding a picture of flames against a black background, cutting out the sections that seemed to be blowing towards the viewer the most, then using screen as the layer blend mode so only the bright parts show. Usually makes the flames nicely and variably translucent as well.

Despite the awful flames, I prefer your post 6 map because of the colours.

In post 8/9, 9 looks much better (walls masked off from lighting). However the lighting is not very atmospheric because the lighting is white instead of reddish-orange, so the map does not feel 'hot' to me.

I did some fire maps for a commission a few years ago - I'll link some here to show you what I mean by 'hot' lighting. Also in these I used white-hot explosions (this sort of thing: Dundjinni Mapping Software - Forums: Explosions) to indicate motes of fire that cannot be passed. Your coals idea is cool too though.